Helmut Ernst Huelsbergen died Thursday, January 5, 2017, at The Reflections Memory Care in Battle Creek, Michigan. A long-time resident of Lawrence, Dr. Huelsbergen moved to Michigan in 2013. He was born February 14, 1929 in Krefeld-Linn, Germany, to Anna te Kloot and Ernst Huelsbergen. He was raised and attended school in Germany. In 1949, Dr. Huelsbergen spent an academic year at Bethel College in Newton, Kansas, through an exchange program of the Mennonite Central Committee, returning to Germany in 1950 to complete his studies. He received a Ph.D. in English from the University of Cologne, Germany, in 1956. He began his teaching career in the German Department at the University of Kansas in 1958, retiring in 1994 after 36 years of service, which included a long tenure as department chairman.
Dr. Huelsbergen's research interest included American neologisms of the 19th century, German Baroque literature, in particular the German poet Andreas Gryphius, and German mysticism.
He was instrumental in establishing the German Summer Language Institute in Eutin, Germany, for the University of Kansas, spending many summers guiding college students through what was often their first experience of foreign travel and studying abroad. Dr. Huelsbergen served as the director of the Max Kade Center for German-American Studies at KU, and he was long-time editor of the Society for German-American Studies' "Yearbook of German-American Studies" published through the Max Kade Center. Dr. Huelsbergen had many interests outside of academia, including stamp collecting, gardening, playing chess, and researching family and other German-American genealogy with his wife. He married Ursula Arnold in 1962 and they had three sons: Lorenz, Anselm, and Benjamin. Dr. Huelsbergen is survived by his sons and by five grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife: Ursula and granddaughter: Olivia.
No service is being held. The family suggests memorials to Lawrence Meals on Wheels in care of Warren-McElwain Mortuary.
Arrangements by the Bachman Hebble Funeral Service, a member by invitation Selected Independent Funeral Homes. (269)965-5145 www.bachmanhebble.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
I wish you could have met Liam Timothy Huelsbergen but i hope one day we will all be up in heaven with you!!
Love Lili Huelsbergen
leanna huelsbergen
Grandchild
December 19, 2017
Helmut Hueslbergen was one of my German professors at KU - I went on to be a secondary school German teacher. And I loved every minute. Dr. Huelsbergen's teaching and guidance were the best parts of my KU education in German. He was a nice and thoughtful man.
CArol Bahr
February 6, 2017
I miss you and I love you
Rianna Huelsbergen
January 21, 2017
Lorenz, Anselm, and Benjamin, my deepest sympathy on the death of your father.
Richard Hatch
January 17, 2017
You are my sunshine my only sunshine you make me happy when sky's are gray you never no dear how much I love you please don't take my sunshine away
Leanna Huelsbergen
January 17, 2017
Auf wiedersehen
Stan Trekell
January 14, 2017
I pass along my condolences as I recall Prof. Huelsbergen as a kind and gentle professor who played a big role in my majoring in German at K.U. more than 55 years ago. He set a wonderful example for us youngsters as a teacher, scholar, and truly good person.
Tod Roberts
January 14, 2017
Thank you, Helmut, for all you did for me and other students of German at KU--with special memories of our summer together at the Weigelmühle.
Breon Mitchell
January 13, 2017
Dear Benjamin,
Please accept our sympathy for you and your family. Both your parents were helpful to us before we went to Cologne for a semester: your mother in helping Mike write lectures in German, and your father in a German conversation class that we both enjoyed. We remember them both for their support of teachers and teaching and for their wide interests. Helmut pursued an interest in drama and we saw them at many KU performances. We think of them both with affection and respect.
Sincerely,
Michael and Anne Shaw
Michael and Anne Shaw
January 12, 2017
I will miss you.
Kisses Lili
Huelsbergen
He was my grandpa
Leanna Huelsbergen
January 12, 2017
I was saddened to read about the passing of Professor Helmut Huelsbergen. He was a beloved teacher, mentor, and finally neighbor and friend. Prof. Huelsbergen will be remembered as one of the pillars of KU's German Department. My heartfelt condolences go out to his family and many friends. Conrad Henderson
Conrad Henderson
January 11, 2017
Helmut was a wonderful neighbor and friend. We initially met walking our dogs in 2002 and he and Ursuala both befriended my keeshonds that they knew - both Zonder, and Tucker. Only Helmut knew my dog Skippy. Helmut's knowledge of German word derivation and many things revealed a life long interest in reading and current affairs both in his native land and in America. WOW I was so lucky to know him - a simply wonderful and kind man.
Sven Alstrom
January 11, 2017
Laurine & Stephen Q Shannon extend condolences to immediate and extended families of the deceased. We are blessed to have had Prof and Mrs Helmut Huelsbergen stay with us one day in our South Florida home. Such appreciative and enthusiastic guests.
Laurine & Stephen Q Shannon
January 11, 2017
Anselm, I was so sad to read the news today. My condolences to you and your family. I remember talking with you about your family and growing up in Lawrence. Take care!
Kathleen Schweitzberger
January 11, 2017
I am sorry to hear of Helmuts death. we were neighbors here on Alabama street for years. would see him walking his dog, and stopping for a chat if someone was out in the yard. a friendly guy. I know you will certainly miss him too.
Joan Stevenson
January 11, 2017
For many years, I lived down the street from Helmut and Ursula and got to know them by running into Helmut on his many walks with and their dog, Mina. Both Ursula and Helmut were wonderful people and wonderful neighbors...I feel lucky to have happened upon them during our many dog walks and gotten to know them as friends!! When we moved from the neighborhood, I lost touch but never forgot them. My thoughts are with all of you who are missing your father and grandfather, Helmut.
Joyce Grover
January 11, 2017
I love you grandpa I will always remember you in my heart
Love
Lili Huelsbergen
Leanna Huelsbergen
Grandparent
January 9, 2017
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